Research stage

Here you can find details on the organisation and length of our Ph.D. programme’s research stage.

The research phase entails the actual writing of your thesis and frequently empirical work, including data acquisition and analysis.

1. Seminars
Depending on the course regulations of our different Ph.D. programmes, thesis-related seminars and thesis colloquia with a maximum of 24 credits can be taken, whereby a seminar or a colloquium is each comprised of 4 or 6 credits.

2. Ph.D. thesis
You can submit your Ph.D. thesis in various formats. The thesis must be an independent research project in which you demonstrate an in-depth expertise and a grasp of scientific methods. In general, the thesis is written in German or English.

3. Defence
In your defence you demonstrate that you have met the requirements of your thesis project. It is possible to forgo the defence if the supervisors’ reports recommend accepting the thesis. The thesis committee hears the defence and awards a grade. The defence lasts at least 60 minutes and is open to the public.

4. Duration
Your thesis must be submitted within 10 semesters from the start of your Ph.D. studies. You must have passed the thesis-related seminars by the time you have submitted the Ph.D. thesis.